Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is located on the northern coast of California, spanning an area of approximately 112,618 acres. It was established on October 2, 1968, to protect and preserve the world's tallest trees, the majestic coast redwoods. The park encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, including old-growth forests, prairies, rivers, and stunning coastline.

The park is a result of a long conservation effort that started in the early 20th century when concerned individuals began advocating for the protection of the redwood forests. The California State Park System acquired large tracts of land in the area, eventually leading to the formation of the Redwood National Park. In recognition of its unique natural features, UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site in 1980.

One of the main draws of Redwood National Park is its towering redwood trees, some of which can reach astonishing heights of over 300 feet. Visitors can explore numerous well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the ancient groves, providing a truly immersive experience in nature. The most popular trail is the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail, which is a short and accessible loop showcasing some of the most magnificent redwoods in the park.

Beyond the redwoods, the park offers an array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking in picturesque settings. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, black bears, bobcats, and more than 200 bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Additionally, the park's pristine coastline provides opportunities for beachcombing, tidepool exploration, and whale watching.

Close to Redwood National Park, adventurers can explore the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean along the California Coastal Trail. Visitors can also discover the neighboring Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, each offering unique natural wonders and recreational activities. The nearby town of Crescent City provides amenities, including accommodations, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient base for exploring the park.

In summary, Redwood National Park in California is an awe-inspiring destination that showcases the magnificence of the world's tallest trees, the redwoods. With a rich historical background, diverse ecosystems, and captivating attractions nearby, the park offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to immerse themselves in its remarkable natural beauty.

Redwood National Park is located in the northernmost part of California, stretching along the Pacific coastline. Situated in Humboldt County, it spans across a vast area, encompassing parts of Del Norte County as well. This incredible national park resides within the temperate rainforest region, where lush greenery and towering ancient trees dominate the landscape. Nestled among mist-shrouded coastal mountains, Redwood National Park showcases some of the world's tallest trees, known as coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). The region's proximity to the Pacific Ocean shapes its climate, characterized by mild temperatures, frequent fog, and ample rainfall, contributing to the enchanting ambiance of Redwood National Park.

Address & Contact

1111 Second Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
Driving Directions
Phone: 7074646101
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Redwood National Park would be during the months of June, July, and August. During this time, the average maximum temperature ranges from 63°F to 65°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low, ranging from 0.2 in to 0.9 in. These months also attract the highest number of visitors, indicating that they are popular times to visit the park. By choosing this timeframe, visitors can enjoy the favorable weather conditions while still avoiding excessive crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Redwood National Park are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Biking Road Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Whitewater Rafting Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Swimming Self-Guided Tours - Auto Mountain Biking RV Camping Saltwater Fishing Cultural Demonstrations Horse Camping (see also camping) Stand Up Paddleboarding Saltwater Swimming Surfing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Redwood National Park: Animals Birds Geology Groundwater Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Fire River and Riparian Unique Species Wilderness Colonization and Settlement Watersheds Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Grasslands Scenic Views Wars and Conflicts Social Movements Conservation Movement Roads, Routes and Highways Tribal Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Elk Coniferous Forests Rare Endangered Mills Prairies Ranches Homesteading Maritime Oceans Massacres Headwaters Coastal Defenses Whales Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center

Southern-most visitor center in the park and located right on the beach. Exhibits about Yurok culture, art and history, redwood ecology, park information, junior ranger program, bookstore and retail sales. Park film available.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Redwood National Park

Elk Prairie Campground

Enjoy ancient coast redwoods, grazing Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer in Elk Prairie, easy access to over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, and seasonal ranger-led programs. Cabins available. Located in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 6 miles north of Orick, CA.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground

Experience the wild Pacific coastline and grazing Roosevelt elk in this campground, with easy access to a secluded stretch of beach, Fern Canyon, and 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. Located on the coast within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - in the southern part of the parks. Access is on with a narrow, dirt road. Recreational vehicles and trailers are not advised.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 26
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Jedediah Smith Campground

Situated in a magnificent old-growth redwood grove on the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River, this campground offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and seasonal campfire programs. Cabins available.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 86
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Coin-Operated - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Mill Creek Campground

Sleep beneath towering maples and young redwoods. Access to Mill Creek, miles of varied hiking trails, and summer programs. Campers at Mill Creek may hear restoration work including saws and heavy equipment through October 15. For more information, visit the Redwoods Rising page at go.nps.gov/RedwoodsRising. Located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. This is 6.7 miles south of Crescent City.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 145
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Elk Prairie Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Enjoy ancient coast redwoods, grazing Roosevelt elk and black-tailed deer in Elk Prairie, easy access to over 70 miles of hiking and biking trails, and seasonal ranger-led programs. Cabins available. Located in the heart of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, 6 miles north of Orick, CA.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 75
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground - Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

Experience the wild Pacific coastline and grazing Roosevelt elk in this campground, with easy access to a secluded stretch of beach, Fern Canyon, and 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. Located on the coast within Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in the southern part of the parks. Access is via a narrow, single lane, dirt road. Recreational vehicles are not advised, and trailers are prohibited.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 26
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Hot - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Jedediah Smith Campground - Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Situated in a magnificent old-growth redwood grove on the banks of the wild and scenic Smith River, this campground offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and seasonal campfire programs. Cabins available.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 86
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: Coin-Operated - Year Round
Potable Water: Yes - year round

Mill Creek Campground - Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

Sleep beneath towering maples and young redwoods. Access to Mill Creek, miles of varied hiking trails, and summer programs. Located in Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. 7 miles south of Crescent City, CA turn east on the campground road. The camp is 2 miles east of the highway.
Fees (US$): 35.00 (Standard Camping Fee), 17.50 (CA State Parks Disabled Discount Camping Fee), 0.00 (CA State Parks Distinguished Veterans Camping Fee), 17.50 (Federal Senior & Access Camping Fee)
Total Campsites: 145
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: Hot - Seasonal
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Redwood National Park

Holiday Inn Express Arcata / Eureka - Airport Area, an IHG Hotel

Located in McKinleyville, Holiday Inn Express Arcata / Eureka - Airport Area, an IHG Hotel is a 3-minute drive from Beau Pre Golf Club and 6 minutes from Moonstone Beach. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in McKinleyville? This hotel features 1200 square feet (108 square meters) of event facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 3107 Concorde Dr., McKinleyville, California 95519
Web: Link

Motel 6 Arcata, CA - Humboldt University

Located in Arcata (Pacific), Motel 6 Arcata, CA - Humboldt University is within a 5-minute drive of Azalea State Natural Reserve and Humboldt State University Natural History Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4755 Valley West Blvd, Arcata, California 95521
Web: Link